Keeping and showing birds was a popular pastime and competitions attracted considerable interest. The Langholm Ornithological Society’s first show was in 1872 and Langholm residents also competed in regular events arranged by the Hawick Ornithological Society.

The main species were different types of canaries. Some of these were crossed with finches to generate ‘mules’ (like horse/donkey crosses) which were attractive songbirds, although sterile. Keeping pigeons, however, was regulated due to the important role of carrier pigeons.